2015 Department of Energy Regulations

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has updated efficiency regulations on Linear Fluorescent Lamps effective on January 26th, 2018. All linear fluorescent lamps manufactured or imported after that date for sale in the United States must meet the new efficiency regulations.

The Canadian Linear Fluorescent lamp regulations are harmonized with the U.S. DOE regulations and are effective on January 26th, 2018. The Canadian Fluorescent Ballast and Halogen PAR Lamp regulations are harmonized with existing regulations in Ontario and in the U.S.A. and were effective on June 28, 2017. GE products were already compliant with the Canadian Ballast and Halogen PAR regulations due to existing regulations in Ontario and the U.S.A.

The minimum efficiency levels for U-bend T8 lamps were increased slightly from 84 to 85 lumens-per-watt. This will have a minor impact on a couple of product types, but most 32-watt and 28-watt U-6 lamps will remain, as will most 31-watt and 26-watt U-1-5/8” lamps. 29Watt U 1-5/8' lamps will no longer be manufactured.

The existing inventory of any noncompliant products manufactured or imported before the effective dates can continued to be sold until depleted.

Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the lamps that will be affected by the regulations.